Noctuidae

73.187 Brown-spot Pinion Anchoscelis litura (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Lunar Underwing Agrochola lunosa lacks a short black cross-line at the base of the forewing and the marks along the leading edge are brown rather than black. The oval is smaller, narrower and more elongate and the kidney mark is smaller. Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis lacks the short black cross-line at the base of the forewing and the marks along the leading edge are brown rather than black. The oval is smaller, narrower and more elongate and the kidney mark is smaller and narrower.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, heathland, marshes, fens and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits Ivy blossom and over-ripe blackberries. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds at night on herbaceous plants such as Common Sorrel, other docks, Bladder Campion, Meadowsweet and chickweeds. Larger larvae may feed on Bramble, sallow, oak and other deciduous trees. The full-fed larva constructs a cocoon under the soil where it rests until it pupates about six weeks later.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on dead-nettles, Dandelion, Lettuce, Marsh Cinquefoil, Bird's-foot Trefoil, vetches, Crown Vetch, Hawthorn and Wild Cherry.